Wed Sep 18 18:37:00 UTC 2024: ## Toronto Police Launch Pilot Program to Speed Up Mental Health Transfers
**Toronto, ON** – In a move aimed at streamlining the transfer of care for individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act, Toronto Police are launching a one-year pilot program in partnership with several Toronto hospitals. The initiative will see two specially trained police constables stationed in the emergency rooms of participating hospitals, acting as Integrated Hospital Officers (IHOs).
The program aims to alleviate the strain on police resources by freeing up officers currently required to remain with individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act until they are admitted to the hospital. These officers will often spend hours at the hospital, preventing them from attending to other police duties.
“This pilot aims to return our front-line members to their core policing responsibilities faster, and reduce the time it takes to transition those experiencing mental health issues to the hospital’s care,” said Chief of Police Myron Demkiw.
The IHOs, who will be on duty 18 hours a day, seven days a week, will be responsible for safely transferring apprehended individuals from other officers upon their arrival at the hospital. The program will operate within the designated Emergency Departments and is specifically focused on individuals apprehended under the Mental Health Act.
Participating hospitals include Humber River Health in 31 Division, University Health Network’s Toronto Western Hospital in 14 Division, and Unity Health Toronto’s St. Michael’s Hospital in 51 Division. Each hospital has allocated a designated space near the triage area to facilitate the work of the IHOs.
“This project will allow for a better transition to hospital care in our Emergency Department, while also helping destigmatize the experience of patients living with mental illness,” said Marnie Escaf, Clinical Vice-President at University Health Network.
The program is expected to provide a more efficient and compassionate approach to caring for individuals experiencing mental health crises.
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